We go to the edges to find the stories that matter
Which voices matter? And which voices are silenced? A BBC Panorama investigation revealed Metropolitan Police officers on record calling for immigrants to be shot, mocking rape complaints, and making openly racist and misogynistic remarks. It is a shocking reminder of what happens when cultures of power dismiss accountability. The pattern runs across other stories, too. Women in creative industries report bullying and harassment on a vast scale, but fewer than half feel able to speak up and report the harassment. Trans people are being denied basic healthcare because GPs lack the training to support them. Transport workers are striking to be heard on safety and fatigue. And in contrast, a Vaseline advert in South Africa shows how powerful it can be when culture and different voices are respected and reflected authentically.
Stories from the edges this week...
UK Met Police In Crisis With New Claims of Misogyny and Racism
A BBC Panorama investigation has revealed the Met Police’s culture of prejudice is far from history. Undercover footage from Charing Cross station captured officers calling for immigrants to be shot, mocking a rape complaint, and making openly anti-Muslim and misogynistic remarks. Others boasted about using excessive force, falsifying statements, and avoiding cameras meant to hold them accountable. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley admitted the Met has a 'toxic legacy'. Confidence in this being addressed is falling. When senior leaders are booed for denying institutional racism, the question is not whether the problem exists, but whether those in charge are willing to face it.
Seven Out Of Ten Women In Creative Careers Experience Bullying and Harassment
A new report on the creative industries reveals a troubling picture for women. A survey by the Bectu union found that 69% of women in the sector had experienced bullying or harassment. Fewer than half felt able to report it, though. This follows a string of high-profile cases, including allegations at MasterChef. Reviews have been launched at the BBC, but the reality is that power imbalances remain deeply embedded, leaving many workers, especially freelancers, exposed and unsupported. Creative careers are seen as exciting, dynamic, and aspirational, but this report shows the reality of working in these industries for many.
Following a series of strikes, London Underground bosses have put a new pay offer on the table, proposing a 3.4% rise in the first year with further increases to follow. Unions are pushing not only for fairer pay but also for a 32-hour week, highlighting fatigue and extreme shift rotations as serious risks to workers’ health and well-being. After five days of disruption, both sides are under pressure to reach an agreement that addresses safety as well as salary.
Less Than a Third Of GPs Say They Have Had Enough Trans Healthcare Training
Less than a quarter of GPs feel equipped to provide trans healthcare, with serious consequences. Reports show that some GPs are now refusing to prescribe hormone replacement therapy for trans adults, citing a lack of training. TransActual found that many doctors have had to seek out education themselves, often paying for it personally, highlighting a gap in both funding and system-wide support.
School Apologises To Parents Over Teacher's Remarks About St George's lag
The flags debate continues. At a school in Manchester, an apology has been issued to parents after a teacher admitted in a lesson that she had attended a counter-protest at a hotel housing asylum seekers. The teacher told children that St George flags were viewed by some people as a 'racist symbol'. The school apologised, saying 'We are not saying that the England flag is an inherently racist symbol. However, unfortunately for some people, it has been viewed to be that.'
London Venue Leaders Say Industry Must Improve Diversity
Industry leaders, including the boss of Sadler's Wells, have warned that progress must be made on diversity. Without any progress, the talent pipeline is threatened. Dance talent and technical teams are areas that need focus. This will affect funding and access to these industries.
Samaritans Push Ahead With Brand Closures Despite Volunteer Objections
The charity Samaritans is pushing ahead with proposals to close branches. They say this is necessary for the future of the charity. Volunteers have raised concerns about the need for community connections and support when they take often distressing calls. They are proposing fewer, larger regional branches, which would limit access to in-person centres for volunteers.
Woman Wins £65,000 At Employment Tribunal But Has Not Received Any Money
A woman who was awarded nearly £65,000 in an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal is still waiting for her money. This is a familiar story, with many reporting this issue. From the 7,000 people who used the scheme, three-quarters have still not received any money. This shows the system is not working to compensate people.
More UK companies are trialling a 'no shoes' policy to improve focus, comfort, and morale. How many of us wear shoes when we work from home? Now offices are following the trend started in Silicon Valley. Employees have reported feeling more comfortable without shoes. Will this cause some people to feel more comfortable and others to feel less comfortable?
Vaseline Advert in South Africa For Heritage Day Wins Praise
In South Africa, a Vaseline campaign has been celebrated for its authenticity. The advert drew on cultural traditions, showing the familiar practice of being smothered in Vaseline and using the phrase “Mntana ka Gogo,” which means “child of grandmother.” Released for Heritage Day, the imagery and words struck a powerful chord, resonating with people who recognised their own lives and stories reflected back at them. The response is a reminder of the power of authentic marketing.
The danger is not only that prejudice and abuse exist, but that leaders deny it, delay action, or hope that silence will make it disappear. From policing to healthcare, from workplaces to media, the consequences of ignoring voices are devastating. Yet we also see how authenticity and respect can build connection, as South Africa’s Vaseline campaign showed. The challenge for leaders is whether they will face uncomfortable truths and act, or continue to defend the indefensible. Because when prejudice is excused, fairness is destroyed. The true measure of leadership is the courage to face what others want hidden.
If these stories have made you think about actions you can take, read on for ideas to take action.
Edge Of Tomorrow - Is Society Going Backwards?
It's Black History Month, but are months like this changing anything? Or are we going backwards? Join Kaia Allen-Bevan for an interactive, online discussion to look at how society engages with Black history and culture today. Despite decades of progress, rising racism, erasure of contributions, and backlash against racial equity efforts suggest that humanity may be regressing in its recognition of Black communities. October 22nd, 6:30 PM - 8 PM, Online (Google Meet).
It's not long until the annual Brighton Summit, with the theme of 'What If?' Join MC Karen Dobres (Author of Pitch Invasion) as she introduces the event. With speakers BBC Journalist Clive Myrie, Byline Times Editor Hardeep Mathuru, Author Sheela Banerjee, and more. With lunch, activities, workshops, and ideas to get you thinking. It's on November 6th at Brighton Corn Exchange.
Does Revolution Need Decolonising? - This year's Black History Month theme is 'Standing firm in Power and Pride'. Watch Kaia Allen Bevan's powerful talk about revolutions, and what needs to be decolonised.
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